News: L.I.N.K.S. volunteers read to children at Mokapu Elementary School

Amanda Taylor, a trainer for the Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills program, reads “Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle,” by Maj. Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery, to third grade students at Mokapu Elementary School, Sept. 11. Volunteers with L.I.N.K.S. took turns reading a book to the students. The volunteers’ initiative is part of the United We Serve Campaign and in recognition of the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay - Volunteers with the Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills program came to Mokapu Elementary School Sept. 11 to read tom students as part of the United We Serve Campaign, and to commemorate the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Two classes of third grade students came to the school library to work on a library-specific assignment. After listening to a story the volunteers read, the students were required to fill out a sheet that teaches them how to take notes, summarize stories, and reflect on
what they’ve heard.

Amanda Taylor, a L.I.N.K.S. trainer, and other L.I.N.K.S. volunteers read “Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle,” by Maj. Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery.

Lori Kidani, a librarian at Mokapu Elementary, said she chose the book partly because it is related to the Marine Corps, and because its nonfiction genre was appropriate for the students’ library assignment.

According to the campaign website, part of the campaign’s programs, called “Let’s Read. Let’s Move,” encourages adults to help their children stay healthy through exercise and reading.

Taylor said many of the L.I.N.K.S. volunteers have a real “passion” for serving the community they live in. She said L.I.N.K.S. is not limited to volunteering at the school.

“L.I.N.K.S. is known for empowering families,” Taylor said. “We want to be out in the community that we serve.”

Dixie Bowler, the family readiness officer for 3rd Radio Battalion and a L.I.N.K.S. volunteer, also read to the third graders on Tuesday. For Bowler, this is nothing new, as she was previously a teacher.

“Definitely any chance we have to recognize (Sept. 11) and to couple that with support for our students, our spouses and (service members) is a big deal and a positive way to bring recognition,” Bowler said.

Bowler said L.I.N.K.S. gives spouses the opportunity to work together, provide support for each other and become involved in the community.

For more information about United We Serve, visit http://www.serve.gov, or to become involved with L.I.N.K.S., call 257-2657.